Cafe Naftalin K. Istanbul
Good vibes & warm atmosphere
Yucel from Istanbul
Cafe Naftalin K is located in Balat, which is one of my favorite locations in Istanbul. I love to go to Balat for photography tours with my friends. This cafe is generally our last stop before leaving the neighborhood.
The interior design is really nice and fits perfectly in the surrounding environment of the old Balat-Fener area. It's very small, it's super cosy and filled with cool little trinkets, old cameras, pictures etc. If you want to go to the bathroom, do not be surprised, just open the refrigerator door. :)
They have such well designed menu paper which comes with an envelope. There are quotes outside of the envelope from famous authors (i.e. Franz Kafka / Letters to Milena). The mistress serves hand-made cookies and cakes with freshly brewed Turkish tea. On winter days, the stove inside the cafe is something like a lifesaver. Also, this cafe is a pet-friendly place. There are a lot of cats that will accompany you during your visit.
Beside the tea and cookies, they serve snacks, Turkish coffee and other coffee options. The prices are reasonable, considering the neighbouring places.
Istanbul Spotter Yucel
About this spot
Our Istanbul City Guide
Find your way with 253 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
The Museum of Innocence
Beauty of Storytelling
This is a place where creativity and storytelling meet. As the writer Orhan Pamuk says, ‘I will build a museum, and its catalogue will be a novel’.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Batard Bomonti
French Bistro in Istanbul
Batard offers a diverse menu showcasing international and Turkish flavors prepared with a modern twist. Their dishes are defined as "Eclectic Cuisine".
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Lokal Makers Shop
Slow shopping in Istanbul
At the heart of Local Makers Shop's philosophy lies a commitment to slow shopping, a celebration of the artisanal, and an embrace of handmade designs.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
3rd Culture Store
Design store in Istanbul
From hand-painted items by women in India to collections that promote a global and inclusive design, they truly showcases the beauty of cultural exchange.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Perili Köşk
The haunted mansion
Perili Köşk Istanbul houses the Borusan Contemporary Art Museum. Some call it the haunted mansion because it was incomplete for years. I love the views!
by
Yucel
Babadag
Boter Kalamış
Coffee & bake shop
Boter Kalamış in Kadiköy, Istanbul, is a bakeshop in one of my favorite spots. I love getting a buttery pastry & a coffee and sitting in the park nearby
by
Yucel
Babadag
Sour and Sweet Artisan Bakery
Sourdough heaven
Sour and Sweet Artisanal Bakery in Istanbul makes US-style sourdough creations. Great for filling my stomach before hitting the Caddebostan seaside...
by
Yucel
Babadag
Akıntı Balık
Just one foot from the Bosphorus
Akıntı Balık is a fish restaurant in Istanbul. It has a view over the Bosphorus and that makes it really special. They have good Turkish mezes...
by
Yucel
Babadag
Guten Morgen
Berliner in Kadikoy
Guten Morgen in Istanbul is a very quiet, simple place to have a coffee together with a delicious coffee, despite its busy location. Perfect in summer!
by
Yucel
Babadag
Corner Irish Pub
Good beer, cosy atmosphere
Corner Irish Pub is hidden really close to Istiklal St in Istanbul. They have very good beer varieties, burgers and a cosy inner atmosphere.
by
Yucel
Babadag
Istanbul Modern
Art museum
Istanbul Modern Art Museum is the city's first modern art institution opened by a private enterprise. Apart from everything else, don't skip on the cafe.
by
Yucel
Babadag
Sakura Cafe
Japan in Moda
Sakura Cafe in Istanbul's Moda is a small and cozy cafe that's very quiet compared to the rest of the busy neighborhood. They have great coffee and cakes
by
Yucel
Babadag
Heading to Istanbul?
253 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Istanbul?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 253 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Coffee & tea
Our team loves Istanbul
Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul
As featured on:
